Crimping device for loading stents and prosthetic heart valves

ABSTRACT

Systems and devices for crimping a medical device and associated methods are disclosed herein. A crimping device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a frame including a stationary plate, a movable member, and a plurality of blades arranged to form a channel and each including a pin that projects through a slot on the movable member and a corresponding slot on the stationary plate. The crimping device can be actuated to move the movable member relative to the stationary plate to drive the pins along paths defined by the slots to thereby drive the blades radially inward to crimp a medical device positioned within the channel.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/615,144, filed Jun. 6, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for reducing the size of a medical device. In particular, some embodiments of the present technology relate to compact crimping devices for reducing a size of prosthetic heart valve devices.

BACKGROUND

Medical devices, such as stents and prosthetic valve devices, can be introduced into a lumen of a body vessel via percutaneous catheterization techniques. These medical devices may be expandable from a first cross-sectional dimension that allows for percutaneous device delivery to a second cross-sectional dimension at a treatment site. In the expanded state, the medical device has a larger cross-sectional dimension than the catheter used to deliver the medical device. Accordingly, a crimping device is typically used to crimp (i.e., reduce) a cross-sectional dimension of the medical device so that the medical device can be loaded into the catheter and advanced to a treatment location in the body. At the treatment location, the medical device can be removed from the catheter and expanded (e.g., via self-expansion, balloon catheter expansion, or mechanical expansion means) to provide a treatment function.

Prosthetic heart valve devices (e.g., prosthetic mitral valve devices) can have a large cross-sectional dimension in the expanded state relative to other medical devices (e.g., stents) delivered via percutaneous catheterization techniques. For example, some prosthetic mitral valves can have an expanded cross sectional dimension of 1.97 inches or more. It is often desirable to package and store prosthetic heart valve devices in their expanded state until just before implantation into the patient. For example, prosthetic heart valve devices can be stored in a sterile solution up until the time the prosthetic heart valve device is ready to be loaded into a delivery system for implantation. Therefore, it is often desirable to crimp prosthetic heart valve devices in the operating room and only a few minutes before a procedure to implant the prosthetic heart valve device. Such procedures preclude pre-crimping by the manufacturer, and benefit from crimping devices that are highly portable and readily available as a sterile system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present disclosure. Furthermore, components can be shown as transparent in certain views for clarity of illustration only and not to indicate that the illustrated component is necessarily transparent. The headings provided herein are for convenience only.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a system for reducing the size of a medical device configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are isometric views of a crimping device of the system of FIG. 1 in a first position and a second position, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded view of the crimping device shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a blade of the crimping device shown in FIGS. 2-4 configured in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a medical device holder for use with the system shown in FIG. 1 and releasably coupled to a portion of a prosthetic heart valve device in accordance with some embodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are an isometric view and cross-sectional view, respectively, illustrating the medical device holder of FIG. 6 coupled to the crimping device of FIGS. 2-4 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a tray of the system of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with various embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present technology is generally directed to systems including crimping devices for reducing the size of prosthetic heart valve devices and other medical devices. The term “crimp” (e.g., used in relation to a crimping device or a crimping method) can refer to devices and methods that compact or compress a medical device to a smaller size. Specific details of several embodiments of the present technology are described herein with reference to FIGS. 1-9. Although many of the embodiments are described with respect to devices, systems, and methods for crimping, loading, and delivering prosthetic heart valve devices to a native mitral valve, other applications and other embodiments in addition to those described herein are within the scope of the present technology. For example, at least some embodiments of the present technology may be useful for delivering prosthetics to other native valves, such as the tricuspid valve or the aortic valve. It should be noted that other embodiments in addition to those disclosed herein are within the scope of the present technology. Further, embodiments of the present technology can have different configurations, components, and/or procedures than those shown or described herein. Moreover, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that embodiments of the present technology can have configurations, components, and/or procedures in addition to those shown or described herein and that these and other embodiments can be without several of the configurations, components, and/or procedures shown or described herein without deviating from the present technology.

With regard to the terms “distal” and “proximal” within this description, unless otherwise specified, the terms can reference relative positions of portions of a prosthetic valve device and/or an associated delivery device with reference to an operator and/or a location in the vasculature or heart. For example, in referring to a delivery catheter suitable to deliver and position various prosthetic valve devices described herein, “proximal” can refer to a position closer to the operator of the device or an incision into the vasculature, and “distal” can refer to a position that is more distant from the operator of the device or further from the incision along the vasculature (e.g., the end of the catheter).

Overview

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a crimping and loading system 10 (“system 10”) for reducing the size of a medical device in accordance with the present technology. In particular, the system 10 can be used to crimp or compact the medical device to enable the medical device to be loaded into a delivery system for percutaneously delivering the medical device to a patient. In some embodiments, the medical device can be a prosthetic heart valve device. More particularly, the medical device can be a mitral valve device for implantation into a native mitral valve and the delivery system can be a delivery system for delivering the mitral valve device to the native mitral valve, such as one or more of the mitral valve devices and/or delivery systems disclosed in (1) International Patent Application No. PCT/US2014/029549, filed Mar. 14, 2014, (2) International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/061219, filed Oct. 19, 2012, (3) International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/061215, filed Oct. 19, 2012, (4) International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/043636, filed Jun. 21, 2012, (5) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/490,047, filed Apr. 18, 2017, and (6) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/490,008, filed Apr. 18, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 includes a crimping device 100, a medical device holder 200 (“holder 200”), a tray 300, and a stand 400. The crimping device 100 includes a plurality of blades (not visible; described in further detail below) that define a channel 115 configured to receive a medical device in an expanded state, and an actuating member 105 operably coupled to the blades. The actuating member 105 can be manipulated by a user to vary or reduce a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a diameter) of the channel 115 and, thereby, reduce the outer dimension of the medical device positioned within the channel 115. In some embodiments, the holder 200 is releasably coupled to the medical device, and then detachably coupled to an entry side 101 of the crimping device 100 such that the holder 200 positions the medical device appropriately within the channel 115 of the crimping device 100 before and/or during crimping.

As shown in FIG. 1, the crimping device 100 can be positioned at least partially within a reservoir 310 in the tray 300. In some embodiments, the tray 300 includes a plurality of flanges 305 that project into the reservoir 310 and define a recess 315 that is sized and shaped to retain the crimping device 100 such that the channel 115 is positioned within the reservoir 310. In other embodiments, the tray 300 can include different or additional features for retaining and appropriately positioning the crimping device 100 within the tray 300, such as fasteners, interlocking surfaces, and/or other suitable retention features. The reservoir 310 can hold a liquid (e.g., chilled saline) that submerges the channel 115 when the crimping device 100 is positioned within the recess 315. As further shown in FIG. 1, the tray 300 can also include an aperture 320 for receiving a portion of a delivery system 600 therethrough and to facilitate loading the crimped medical device into the delivery system 600. For example, an elongated catheter body 605 and/or delivery capsule 610 of the delivery system 600 can be inserted through the aperture 320 and positioned adjacent to the channel 115 on an exit side 103 of the crimping device 100. In some embodiments, the tray 300 can further include one or more sealing members (not shown) positioned within the aperture 320 to at least partially seal liquid within the reservoir 310 when the delivery system is moved into and out of the reservoir 310. The stand 400 can be positioned to support a portion of the catheter body 605 and/or align the delivery system 600 with the aperture 320 of the tray 300. In other embodiments, the system 10 can include additional components or some of the features may be omitted.

In operation, the crimping device 100 is positioned within the recess 315 of the tray 300. A medical device, such as a prosthetic heart valve device, is releasably attached to the holder 200 while the medical device is in its expanded state (e.g., an unconstrained state), and then the holder 200 is attached to the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100 such that the medical device extends into the channel 115. In some embodiments, the holder 200 is attached to the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100 before the crimping device 100 is positioned within the recess 315 of the tray 300. In some embodiments, the medical device can be packaged with and pre-attached to the holder 200. In some embodiments, the holder 200 is omitted, and the medical device can be placed in the channel 115 by itself and/or releasably attached to another portion of the crimping device 100 to retain the medical device in the channel 115. Before or after the medical device is positioned in the channel 115, the reservoir 310 of the tray 300 can be filled with a liquid (e.g., chilled saline) such that the channel 115 of the crimping device 100 and the medical device positioned therein are submerged in the liquid. Submerging the medical device can keep the medical device chilled as the crimping device 100 acts on the medical device to reduce the outer dimension of the medical device.

When the system 10 is used to facilitate loading of the device into the delivery system 600, a distal portion of the catheter body 605 can be positioned through the aperture 320 such that the delivery capsule 610 at the distal end of the catheter body 605 is positioned at the exit side 103 of the crimping device 100 adjacent the channel 115. In some embodiments, a distal nose cone of the delivery capsule 610 and an elongated central shaft attached thereto are inserted at least partly through the channel 115 and the unconstrained medical device (e.g., toward the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100 beyond a distal end of the medical device). The stand 400 can be positioned to support the catheter body 605 and/or other portions of the delivery system 600 outside of the tray 300, and to align the delivery system 600 with the aperture 320 of the tray 300 and the channel 115 of the crimping device 100.

Once the delivery system 600 and the medical device are properly positioned with respect to the crimping device 100, a user can manipulate the actuating member 105 of the crimping device 100 to reduce the cross-sectional dimension of the channel 115, and thereby reduce the outer dimension of the medical device (i.e., “crimp” the medical device). In some embodiments, the medical device is crimped to accommodate sizing of the delivery capsule 610 for implanting the medical device using a minimally invasive procedure. In some embodiments, reducing the cross-sectional dimension of the channel 115 disengages the holder 200 from the medical device such that the medical device is no longer attached to the holder 200 to allow for subsequent removal of the medical device from the channel 115 (e.g., via the exit side 103 or the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100).

Once the medical device has been crimped, the medical device can be loaded into the delivery system 600 for subsequent delivery to a patient. For example, a portion of the delivery system 600 can be configured to engage the medical device and pull the crimped medical device into the delivery capsule 610 and/or the catheter body 605. In some embodiments, a piston device of the delivery system 600 engages with features of the medical device, and is then retracted to pull the medical device into the delivery capsule 610. In some embodiments, the channel 115 of the crimping device 100 has a generally funnel-like shape in which the diameter of the channel 115 decreases along an axis from the entry side 101 to the exit side 103 (i.e., away from the holder 200 and toward the delivery capsule 610. In such embodiments, pulling the medical device into the delivery capsule 610 can further crimp a portion of the medical device as the medical device is pulled from a wider-diameter portion of the channel 115 and through a narrower-diameter portion of the channel 115. In some embodiments, the medical device is pulled into the delivery system 600 while submerged in the liquid within the reservoir 310. This is expected to inhibit air pockets or air bubbles from forming in the delivery system 600 as the medical device is loaded.

Once the medical device is loaded in the delivery system 600, the delivery system 600 can be withdrawn from the tray 300 and subsequently used to implant the medical device in a patient. In some embodiments, the system 10 is configured to be a completely disposable system. Accordingly, the various components of the system 10, including the crimping device 100, can be disposed of (as compared to being cleaned for subsequent re-use) after the medical device is loaded into the delivery system. By making the system 10 disposable, the system 10 can be provided as a new, sterile environment prior to each procedure.

Selected Embodiments of Crimping Devices, Medical Device Holders, and Associated Methods

FIGS. 2 and 3 are isometric views of the crimping device 100 of FIG. 1 illustrating the crimping device 100 in a first position with the channel 115 having a first cross-sectional dimension (FIG. 2) and in a second position with the channel 115 having a second cross-sectional dimension (FIG. 3). FIG. 4 is an isometric partially exploded view of the crimping device 100 of FIG. 2 (i.e., showing the crimping device 100 in the first position). In some embodiments, the first and second cross-sectional dimensions are a maximum and a minimum cross-sectional dimension, respectively. The crimping device 100 includes a frame 110, a plurality of movable blades 140 arranged circumferentially within the frame 110 to define the channel 115 having a central axis 107 extending therethrough.

Referring to FIG. 4, the frame 110 can include a first plate 120 having a plurality of first slots 122 extending through portions of the first plate 120, and a second plate 130 having a plurality of second slots 132 extending through portions of the second plate 130 (collectively referred to as “plates 120, 130”). The crimping device 100 further includes a first movable member 160 and a second movable member 170 (collectively “movable members 160, 170”) that are movable (e.g., rotatable) with respect to the first and second plates 120 and 130. For example, the movable members 160, 170 can be configured to rotate about the central axis 107 of the channel 115. The first movable member 160 is positioned between the blades 140 and the first plate 120, and the first movable member 160 includes a plurality of third slots 162 extending through portions of the first movable member 160. Similarly, the second movable member 170 is positioned between the blades 140 and the second plate 130, and the second movable member 170 includes a plurality of fourth slots 172 extending through portions of the second movable member 170. Portions of the first slots 122 can be aligned with portions of the third slots 162, and portions of the second slots 132 can be aligned with portions of the fourth slots 172. In some embodiments, the first and second slots 122 and 132 (collectively referred to as “slots 122, 132”) and the third and fourth slots 162 and 172 (collectively referred to as “slots 162, 172”) are reflectively symmetric about a plane extending perpendicularly to the central axis 107 of the channel 115.

Each blade 140 can include a pin 142 that projects from a portion of the blade 140 spaced apart from the central axis 107 (e.g., an outer portion of the blade 140). At the exit side 103 of the crimping device 100, each pin 142 extends through one of the first slots 122 of the first plate 120 and a corresponding one of the third slots 162 of the first movable member 160, and at the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100 each pin 142 extends through one of the second slots 132 and a corresponding one of the fourth slots 172 of the second movable member 170. Accordingly, the quantity of slots 122, 132, 162, 172 on each of the plates 120, 130 and the movable members 160, 170 can correspond to the quantity of blades 140. In operation, a user can manipulate the actuating member 105 to rotate, slide, or otherwise move the first and second movable members 160 and 170 relative to the first and second plates 120 and 130. This drives the pins 142 along paths defined by corresponding slots 122, 132, 162, 172, thereby driving the blades 140 radially inward to decrease the cross-sectional dimension of the channel 115 (FIG. 3). The radially inward movement of the blades 140 acts on an outer surface of a medical device (e.g., a prosthetic heart valve device) positioned within the channel 115 and, thereby, reduces the outer cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the medical device to fit within a delivery capsule (e.g., the delivery capsule 610 of FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the second plate 130 and the second movable member 170 are omitted such that the relative movement of the first plate 120 and the first movable member 160 alone drive the inward motion of the blades 140.

The plates 120, 130 can have a generally rectangular shape such that the frame 110 has a generally rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the plates 120, 130 can have other shapes such as, for example, circular, hexagonal, polygonal, etc., and can have different shapes from one another. For example, when the plates 120, 130 have a circular shape, the frame 110 can include a stabilizing base region. In some embodiments, the plates 120, 130 can be internal components positioned within an outer housing that defines the frame 110. The frame 110 can have a shape configured to fit snugly within the recess 315 (FIG. 1) of the tray 300. The actuating member 105 can be positioned on an upper surface 112 (FIG. 2) of the frame 110 such that it is accessibly to a user during a crimping procedure. In other embodiments, the actuating member 105 may be positioned elsewhere on the frame 110, or may be an electric motor instead of a manual actuator. As shown in FIG. 4, the plates 120, 130 are stationary relative to the movable members 160, 170. In some embodiments, the first plate 120 is movable relative to the first movable member 160 and/or the second plate 130 is movable relative to the second movable member 170 to drive the blades 140 radially inward. For example, manipulating the actuating member 105 can rotate the first plate 120 in an opposite direction as the first movable member 160.

The first and second slots 122 and 132 can each define a straight path extending radially away from the central axis of the channel 115. As shown in FIG. 4, each plate 120, 130 can include twelve slots 122, 132 spaced at equal intervals around the central axis 107 of the channel 115. However, in some embodiments, each plate 120, 130 can include fewer than or more than twelve slots (e.g., six slots, eight slots, fourteen slots, etc.) depending on the quantity of blades 140, and/or the slots 122, 132 can be arranged in other configurations and can have different shapes. For example, one or more of the slots 122, 132 can define a generally arcuate or other path. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the second slots 132 can have generally similar features to the first slots 122. In other embodiments, the second slots 132 can have a different number and/or have a different configuration, shape, etc. from the first slots 122.

The third slots 162 on the first movable member 160 can each define an arcuate or angled path having a first end 163 a and a second end 163 b spaced radially closer to the central axis of the channel 115 than the first end 163 a. In some embodiments, the first movable member 160 includes twelve arcuate slots 162 spaced apart from each other at equal intervals around the central axis 107 of the channel 115. In other embodiments, the plurality of third slots 162 can include fewer than or more than twelve slots (e.g., eight slots) depending on the quantity of blades 140, and can be arranged in other configurations and can have different shapes. For example, the third slots 162 can define a generally straight path, or could have a concave portion that faces radially outward from the central axis of the channel 115. Although partly obscured in FIG. 4, the fourth slots 172 can have generally similar features to the third slots 162. In some embodiments, the slots 162, 172 are reflectively symmetric about a plane extending perpendicularly to the central axis 107 of the channel 115. In other embodiments, the slots 162, 172 can each comprise a different number of slots, and/or have different configurations, shapes, etc. from one another. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the slots 162, 172 can be longer than the slots 122, 132 in the plates 120, 130. In some embodiments, the slots 162, 172 extend radially the same or a substantially similar distance as the slots 122, 132.

The first through fourth slots 122 132, 162, 172 define a path of movement for the pins 142. For example, the first and second slots 122 and 132 can be sized and shaped to maintain the position of the individual blades 140 relative to each other, and the third and fourth slots 162 and 172 can be sized and shaped to drive the blades 140 radially inward or outward. Accordingly, movement of the pins 142 along the slot paths causes the blades 140 to slide relative to each other and to move radially inward or outward. For example, movement of the first movable member 160 relative to the first plate 120 drives the pins 142 along the path defined by the third slots 162 of the first movable member 160 and constrained by the path of the first slots 122 of the first plate 120. Similarly, movement of the second movable member 170 relative to the second plate 130 drives the pins 142 along the path defined by the fourth slots 172 of the second movable member 170 and constrained by the path of the second slots 132 of the second plate 130. When the pins 142 are in an initial or first pin position (FIG. 2), the blades 140 are arranged such that the channel 115 has a maximum cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter), and the pins 142 are positioned at a radially outer end 123 a (FIG. 2) of the first slots 122 and a radially outer end 162 a (FIG. 4) of the third slots 162. When the pins 142 are in a final or second pin position (FIG. 3), the pins 142 are positioned at a radially inner end 123 b (FIG. 3) of the first slots 122 and a radially inner end 162 b (FIG. 4) of the third slots 162, and the channel 115 has a minimum cross-sectional dimension. Accordingly, the pins 142 can move between the first and second pin positions to reduce and expand the cross-sectional dimension of the channel 115. In other embodiments, the pins 142 can be positioned at different locations (e.g., positioned at an intermediate location) along the first slots 122 when in the first and/or second pin configuration. When the medical device is positioned within the channel 115, driving the pins 142 radially inward can reduce a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the medical device. In some embodiments, such as embodiments including twelve blades 140, the blades 140 are configured to reduce an outer diameter of a prosthetic heart valve device from about 1.67 inches (42.42 mm) to 0.4 inch (10.16 mm) or less. For example, the blades 140 can be configured to completely close the channel 115 in the second pin position (i.e., a cross-sectional dimension of the channel 115 is zero). As another example, in embodiments including eight blades 140, the blades 140 can be arranged such that the channel 115 has a maximum outer diameter of about 1.3 inches (33.02 mm) and can reduce the diameter of the channel 115 to 0.4 inch (10.16 mm) or less. The maximum and minimum cross-sectional dimensions of the channel 115 can depend on the quantity of blades 140, the size and shape of the blades 140, the locations of the pins 142 on the blades 140, and/or the travel path of the blades 140 as defined by the slots 122, 132, 162, 172.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second plate 130 includes a plurality of first connective features 133 and a plurality of second connective features 135. The first connective features 133 can be holes, flanged surfaces, and/or other attachment mechanisms configured to releasably couple the medical device holder 200 (FIG. 1) to the second plate 120 of the frame 110. The second connective features 135 are configured to provide an attachment mechanism for forming the frame 110 (e.g., connecting the first plate 120 to the second plate 130). As shown, the second connective features 135 can be hooks or fasteners shaped to mate with corresponding holes 125 on the first plate 120. In some embodiments, the second connective features 135 permit the frame 110 of the crimping device 100 to be taken apart to, for example, permit cleaning of the individual components within the frame (e.g., the blades 140 and movable members 160, 170). In some embodiments, the first and second plates 120 and 130 can be fixedly attached to each other via bonding, welding, and/or other attachment methods.

As further shown in FIG. 4, the crimping device 100 can also include an actuator device 150 operably coupled to the first and second movable members 160 and 170, and configured to move the first and second movable members 160, 170 relative to the first and second plates 120 and 130. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the actuator device 150 includes the actuating member 105 coupled to a threaded shaft 152 and a connector 154 having a threaded shaft 156 extending therethrough. The connector 154 couples to portions of the first and second movable members 160, 170. Turning the actuating member 105 rotates the threaded shaft 152 about a longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft 152, which in turn moves the connector 154 along the length of the threaded shaft 152. Movement of the connector 154 moves the first and second movable members 160, 170, thereby driving the pins 142 inward or outward along the paths defined by the slots 122, 132, 162, 172 of the plates 120, 130 and the movable members 160, 170. For example, a user can turn the actuating member 105 in a first direction to cause the connector 104 to move downwards (i.e., towards the bottom of the page) in order to rotate the first and second movable members 160, 170 clockwise about the central axis 107 of the channel 115. Clockwise rotation of the first and second movable members 160, 170 can drive the pins 142 inward along the combined paths of the first and third slots 122, 162 and second and fourth slots 132, 172 to reduce the cross-sectional dimension of the channel 115. Turning the actuating member 105 in the opposite direction can rotate the movable members 160, 170 in the counterclockwise direction to drive the pins 142 outward along the combined paths of the first and third slots 122, 162 and second and fourth slots 132, 172 to increase the cross-sectional dimension of the channel 115. In some embodiments, the actuator device 150 can be configured to rotate the blades 140 in the opposite directions to effectuate device compression. The actuator device 150 illustrated in FIG. 4 provides for continuous (e.g., rather than stepwise) compression of a medical device placed within the channel 115 of the crimping device 100, and can have a relatively smaller footprint as compared to other types of actuators.

In some embodiments, the actuator device 150 can comprise a different mechanism to drive movement of the movable members 160, 170, and/or the actuator device 150 can be coupled to the movable members 160, 170 in a different manner. For example, in some embodiments, the actuator device 150 can comprise a lever coupled to the movable members 160, 170. In other embodiments, the movable members 160, 170 can be configured to slide (i.e., rather than rotate) relative to the plates 120, 130. In such embodiments, the actuator device 150 may comprise a handle or other gripping mechanism for sliding the movable members 160, 170. In still other embodiments, the actuator device 150 may include an electric motor configured to move the movable members 160, 170.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of one of the blades 140 of the crimping device 100 (FIGS. 1-4). Each blade 140 can include a first end portion 141 a, a second end portion 141 b, a first side 143 a, and a second side 143 b. The pin 142 of each blade 140 can include a first pin portion 142 a projecting from the first side 143 a of the blade 140 (e.g., toward the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100 of FIGS. 1-4), and a second pin portion 142 b projecting from the second side 143 b of the blade 140 (e.g., toward the exist side 103 of the crimping device 100 of FIGS. 1-4). The first pin portion 142 a and the second pin portion 142 b (collectively referred to as “pin portions 142 a, 142 b”) can be a single component (e.g., a single shaft) extending through and/or integrally formed with the blade 140, or the pin portions 142 a, 142 b can be separate pin components that project from either side of the blade 140. In some embodiments, some or all of the blades 140 can include only the first pin portion 142 a or only the second pin portion 142 b. As shown in FIG. 5, the pin portions 142 a, 142 b project from the second end portion 141 b of the blade 140. When the blade 140 is positioned within the crimping device 100, the second end portion 141 b is spaced apart from and radially farther from the central axis 107 of the channel 115 than the first end portion 141 a. Accordingly, the pin portions 142 a, 142 b project from a radially outer portion of the blade 140. Compared to a blade with a pin positioned at a central or more radially inward position of the blade, this radially outward positioning of the pin 142 requires less actuation (i.e., the pin 142 need not be driven as far) to produce an equal amount of inward movement of the blade 140. As a result, the overall size of the crimping device 100 is reduced while still maintaining a sufficiently large crimping range (e.g., the range between a minimum and maximum cross-sectional dimension of the channel 115) to accommodate the sizing of a medical device in an expanded state and the sizing of a delivery system (e.g., a delivery capsule).

As further shown in FIG. 5, the blade 140 includes an inner surface 146 a and an outer surface 146 b. In general, the inner and outer surfaces 146 a and 146 b are configured to enable adjacent blades 140 to slide relative to one another and to define a shape of the channel 115 of the crimping device 100. More specifically, the inner surface 146 a can be generally sloped along an axis extending between the first and second sides 143 a and 143 b of the blade 140 (e.g., along the central axis 107 of the channel 115 shown in FIGS. 2-4). The outer surface 146 b can have a portion that is generally shaped to match the shape of the inner surface 146 a of an adjacent blade 140, and is configured to slide against the inner surface 146 a of an adjacent blade 140 as the pin portions 142 a, 142 b are actuated (e.g., driven radially inward or outward along the slots 122, 132 and slots 162, 172).

A portion of the inner surfaces 146 a (e.g., a portion not covered by the outer surface 146 b of an adjacent blade 140) of the blades 140 collectively define the channel 115 of the crimping device 100. When the blades 140 with a sloped inner surface 146 a are arranged circumferentially, the channel 115 can have a generally funnel-like shape (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8). That is, the channel 115 can have a larger cross-sectional dimension closer to the second sides 143 b of the blades 140 (e.g., proximate to the second plate 130 at the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100) than the first sides 143 a of the blades 140 (e.g., proximate the first plate 120 at the exit side 103 of the crimping device). In other embodiments, the inner and outer surfaces 146 a, 146 b of the blade 140 can have other shapes or arrangements. For example, the inner surfaces 146 a of each blade can have a wedge-like shape such that the channel 115 has a constant cross-sectional dimension along the central axis of the channel 115. In yet other embodiments, the blades 140 can generally have any other shape or configuration so as to form a channel 115 with a varying cross-sectional dimension along the central axis 107 of the channel 115. In some embodiments, the inner and/or outer surfaces 146 a, 146 b of the blade 140 can include one or more grooves, slots, holes, etc. These features can reduce the weight of the blade 140 to thereby increase the portability of the crimping device 100, without affecting the function or strength of the crimping device 100.

In some embodiments of the present technology, the crimping device 100 can omit one or more of the components described above with reference to FIGS. 2-5. For example, the crimping device 100 can include only one of the movable members 160, 170, and each blade 140 may include only one of the pin portions 142 a or 142 b to drive the blades 140 inward to reduce the size of a medical device. However, redundancy of the two movable members 160, 170 and the two plates 120, 130 at the first and second sides 101 and 103 of the crimping device 100 effectively supports each blade 140 at both the first and second side 143 a, 143 b of the blade 140. Including two movable members 160, 170 can also decrease the amount of force required to actuate the blades 140, and can facilitate at least substantially equal distribution of the actuating force across the blades 140 between the first and second sides 143 a, 143 b. In some embodiments, the crimping device 100 can include fewer than twelve blades (e.g., four blades, five blades, six blades, eight blades, etc.) or more than twelve blades (e.g., sixteen blades, twenty blades, etc.), and the quantity of slots 122, 132, 162, 172 of the movable members 160, 170 and the plates 120, 130 can be modified to correspond to the number of blades 140.

Each of the components described above with reference to FIGS. 2-5 can be made from the same or different materials, such as metals, polymers, plastic, composites, combinations thereof, and/or other materials. The components of the crimping device 100 can be manufactured using suitable processes, such as, for example, three-dimensional printing, injection molding, and/or other processes for supporting and compressing a medical device during a crimping procedure. In some embodiments, each component is made from a suitable plastic or polymer such that the system is completely disposable and able to be manufactured at a relatively low cost. In some embodiments, some of the components illustrated herein as individual components can be integrally formed together or otherwise combined.

In use, the crimping device 100 can provide a compact, yet efficient mechanism for reducing the size of a prosthetic heart valve device or other medical device. The slots 122, 132 of the plates 120, 130 and the slots 162, 172 of the movable members 160, 170 define paths for the pins 142 that slide the blades 140 radially inward relative to each other to reduce the diameter of the channel 115. This radially inward force is continuous along the surfaces of the blades 140 contacting the medical device within the channel 115, and therefore provides continuous compression of the medical device. As such, the continuous compression allows the user to pause or terminate the crimping procedure at any time (i.e., not just at the maximum and minimum diameters of the channel 115). Further, the funnel-like shape of the channel 115 provided by the blade shape allows portions of the medical device to be compressed more than other portions during inward movement of the blades. For example, a larger portion of the medical device may be positioned in the larger portion of the channel 115 (e.g., toward the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100) and not undergo as much compression as the portion of the medical device positioned in the smaller portion of the channel 115 (e.g., toward the exit side 103 of the crimping device 100). This can inhibit the compressive crimping forces from moving the medical device laterally toward the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100 and help retain the medical device within the channel 115 during crimping. In addition, the position of the pins 142 on the outer portions of the blades 140 reduces the length of the pin travel path necessary for inward movement of the blades 140 to achieve the desired crimping range. For example, the pins 142 can travel a distance of 0.26 inch (6.604 mm) to reduce the channel diameter from about 1.3 inches to 0.4 inch or less. Thus, the arrangement of the pins 142, the blades 140, the movable members 160, 170, and the plates 120, 130, in conjunction with the actuator device 150, allows the crimping device 100 to have a compact size that can easily be moved by a clinician to and from a sterile field, while still providing for a large crimping range suitable for reducing the size of prosthetic heart valves to allow for percutaneous delivery of the device.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view showing the medical device holder 200 (“holder 200”) configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology and coupled to an exemplary medical device 500. In some embodiments as shown in FIG. 6, the medical device 500 is a valve support for use with a prosthetic heart valve device. The holder 200 includes a base 202 having a first side 203 a, a second side 203 b, and an opening 205 extending therebetween. The base 202 can include a plurality of connectors 201 on the second side 203 b and configured to removably couple the holder 200 to the crimping device 100 (e.g., to the connective features 113 of the second plate 130 of FIGS. 2-4). As shown in FIG. 6, the base 202 can have a generally annular shape including a radially outer surface 209 a and a radially inner surface 209 b, both extending between the first and second sides 203 a, 203 b. The outer surface 209 a can include a plurality of grooves 207 and/or ridges to make the holder 200 easy to grip and manipulate, even while submerged during the crimping process. The holder 200 further includes a plurality of first fingers 206 and a plurality of second fingers 208 (collectively “fingers 206, 208”) projecting from the base 202 and arranged circumferentially around a central axis extending through the opening 205 of the base 202. The fingers 206, 208 are configured to engage at least a portion of the medical device 500 to hold the medical device 500 within the channel 115 of the crimping device 100 (FIGS. 2-4) during at least an initial portion of a crimping procedure.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first fingers 206 can be spaced around the central axis of the opening 205 to engage the medical device 500 at more than one point around a circumference of the medical device 500. The first fingers 206 include a first portion 206 a extending radially inward from the inner surface 209 b of the base 202 toward the central axis of the opening 205, a second portion 206 b extending from the first portion 206 a and away from the second side 203 b of the base 202, a third portion 206 c extending from the second portion 206 b and radially inward toward the central axis of the opening 205, and a fourth portion 206 d configured to engage the medical device 500. The fourth portion 206 d can include an index feature 206 e shaped to engage a portion of the medical device 500. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the medical device 500 can be a stent-device including a frame 580 comprising a plurality of frame cells 582. Each frame cell 582 can have a hexagonal shape and comprise a pair of first struts 583, a pair of second struts 584, and a pair of third struts 585. Each of the first struts 583 can extend from an end of the second struts 584, and pairs of the first struts 583 can be connected together to form V-struts 586. At least some of the V-struts 586 at an end portion of the frame 580 can define an apex 587. As shown, the index features 206 e can have a generally V-like shape to engage (e.g., mate with) an individual V-strut 586 of the medical device 500. In other embodiments, the medical device 500 and/or the first fingers 206 can have other suitable shapes that enable the first fingers 206 to engage a portion of the medical device 500. For example, the medical device 500 may be a stent device having frame cells 582 with a rectangular, sinusoidal, triangular, polygonal, or other shape, and the index features 206 e can have a corresponding shape and arrangement that mates with or fits within a portion of the frame cells 582. In some embodiments, the first fingers 206 are configured to engage with the atrial end of a valve support of a prosthetic mitral valve device and/or other atrial portions of the prosthetic mitral valve device. In some embodiments, the first fingers 206 are configured to engage with the ventricular side of the valve support and/or other ventricular portions of the prosthetic mitral valve device.

In some embodiments, the first fingers 206 are flexible such that they bend radially inward or outward in response to external forces applied to the first fingers 206. For example, when the holder 200 is not attached to the medical device 500, the fourth portions 206 d of the first fingers 206 can be positioned a distance away from the central axis of the opening 205 that is slightly greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the medical device 500. To attach the medical device 500, the first fingers 206 can be bent radially inward until the fourth portions 206 d of the first fingers 206 are within the medical device 500, and then released. Accordingly, the index features 206 e of the first fingers 206 can press against (e.g., the first fingers 206 are slightly radially biased outward against) a radially interior side of the medical device 500 to hold or grip the medical device 500. The index features 206 e can prevent the medical device 500 from slipping off of the holder 200 when no other forces are applied to the first fingers 206. When the holder 200 is attached to the crimping device 100 (FIGS. 1-4), the blades 140 can press down on the first fingers 206 as the channel 115 decreases in size, thereby causing the first fingers 206 to flex inwardly and release the medical device 500 from the holder 200 for subsequent loading into the delivery system 600 (FIG. 1).

The second fingers 208 can each include a first portion 208 a extending radially inward from the inner surface 209 b of the base 202 toward the central axis of the opening 205, a second portion 208 b extending from the first portion 208 a and away from the second side 203 b of the base 202, and a third portion 206 c extending from the second portion 208 b and radially inward toward the central axis of the opening 205. Notably, the first portion 208 a of each second finger 208 is longer than the first portion 206 a of each first finger 206. The second portions 206 b of the first fingers 206 are therefore positioned radially farther from the central axis of the opening 205 than the second portions 208 b of the second fingers 208. As shown, the third portions 208 c of the second fingers 208 can be shaped and positioned to receive the apexes 587 of the medical device 500. The second fingers 208 can therefore provide additional support for holding the medical device 500 in place. In some embodiments, the holder 200 can include fingers 206, 208 with other shapes, arrangements, quantities, etc., suitable for holding the medical device 500 in place. For example, the holder 200 may comprise more or less than the twelve fingers 206, 208 shown in FIG. 6 (e.g., more or less than three first fingers 206 and more or less than nine second fingers 208). In some embodiments, the holder 200 includes only the first fingers 206 or only the second fingers 208.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are an isometric view and a cross-sectional side view, respectively, illustrating the holder 200 of FIG. 6 coupled to the crimping device 100 shown in FIGS. 2-4. For ease of illustration, the medical device 500 is not shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Referring first to FIG. 7, the holder 200 can be removably coupled to the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100 via the second plate 130 of the frame 110. More specifically, the connectors 201 (shown in FIG. 6) of the holder 200 can connect to the first connective features 133 disposed on the frame 110. In some embodiments, the connectors 201 are at least one of hooks, fasteners, clips, locking features, etc. that engage (e.g., mate with) the first connective features 133 to removably secure the holder 200 to the crimping device 100. In some embodiments, the connectors 201 are inserted into the connective features 113, and the holder 200 is rotated to secure the holder 200 in place. Once secured, the central axis of the opening 205 of the holder 200 can be generally aligned with the central axis 107 of the channel 115 of the crimping device 100. By aligning the central axes of the crimping device 100 and holder 200, the medical device 500 can be evenly spaced with respect to the blades 140 within the channel 115 before the medical device 500 is crimped to facilitate generally symmetric radial compression of the medical device 500.

As shown in FIG. 8, the fingers 206, 208 of the holder 200 can project at least partly into the channel 115 of the crimping device 100. Accordingly, the fingers 206, 208 of the holder 200 can hold the medical device 500 (FIG. 6) in a position that is fully within the channel 115. FIG. 8 further shows an embodiment in which the channel 115 has a generally funnel-like shape in which a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the channel 115 decreases along the central axis 107 moving from the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100 to the exit side 103 of the crimping device 100.

Referring to FIGS. 6-8 together, to crimp the medical device 500, the actuating member 105 is manipulated as described above to reduce the diameter of the channel 115. As the diameter of the channel 115 decreases, portions of the blades 140 can contact portions of the first fingers 206 and/or portions of the second fingers 208 that are within the channel 115. Specifically, the blades 140 first contact the second portions 206 b of the first fingers 206 because they are positioned radially farther from the central axis of the channel 115 than the second portions 208 b (FIG. 6) of the second fingers 208. As the diameter of the channel 115 is further decreased, the blades 140 exert an inward force against the second fingers 208 that bends the fingers 208 radially inward and causes the fourth portions 206 d of the first fingers 206 to disengage from the medical device 500. The blades 140 do not contact the first fingers 206 until after contacting the second fingers 208 because the second portions 208 b of the second fingers 208 are positioned radially closer to the central axis 107 of the channel 115 than the second portions 206 b of the first fingers 206. Therefore, after the first fingers 206 disengage from the medical device 500, the third portions 208 c of the second fingers 208 can still engage and support a portion of the medical device 500 (e.g., the apexes 587). In some embodiments, the second fingers 208 can inhibit the medical device 500 from moving laterally (e.g., translation between the opposing plates 120, 130) while the medical device 500 is crimped. For example, the second fingers 208 can counteract the tendency of the medical device 500 to move laterally toward the entry side 101 of the crimping device 100 as a result of non-uniform compression of the medical device 500 caused by the funnel-like shape of the channel 115.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the channel 115 can be decreased to a small enough diameter to disengage the holder 200 from the medical device 500 (e.g., disengage the first fingers 206), but maintain a large diameter such that the fingers 206,208 positioned within the medical device 500 do not interfere with the crimping of the medical device 500. For example, the holder 200 and the crimping device 100 can be configured such that the holder 200: (i) holds (e.g., is engaged with and grips) the medical device 500 when the channel 115 of the crimping device 100 has a maximum diameter (e.g., the first position shown FIG. 2), and (ii) is disengaged from the medical device 500 when the channel 115 of the crimping device 100 has a minimum diameter (e.g., the second position shown FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the holder 200 can be removed from the crimping device 100 after the holder 200 disengages from the medical device 500. In such embodiments, the diameter of the channel 115 can then be further decreased to further crimp the medical device 500.

Selected Embodiments of Trays for Receiving a Crimping Device

FIG. 9 is a top view of the tray 300 of the crimping and loading system 10 of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with embodiments the present technology. The tray 300 can be formed using a thermoforming process and/or other suitable tray forming processes. As shown, the interior walls of the tray 300 define the reservoir 310 for holding a liquid (e.g., chilled saline). The reservoir 310 can include a first portion 312, a second portion 314, and a third portion 316. The first portion 312 can be sized and shaped to receive the crimping device 100 (FIGS. 1-4) with the entry side 101 or the exit side 103 facing down against a bottom surface of the tray 300 prior to use (e.g., during storage and/or shipping). The second portion 314 of the reservoir 310 is defined by the flanges 305 of the tray 300 and includes the recess 315 that is configured to retain the crimping device 100 (FIGS. 1-4) in a stable upright position during the crimping procedure. In some embodiments, the tray 300 includes a slot for introducing the liquid into the reservoir 310. The slot can be configured to allow liquid to enter the reservoir 310 in a non-turbulent manner, which is expected to inhibit air bubbles from forming in portions of the tray 300 or the crimping device 100. For example, in some embodiments, the slot provides a liquid flow path into the first portion 312 of the reservoir 310.

The third portion 316 of the reservoir 310 can be positioned at the exit side 103 of the crimping device 100 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), and can provide a region in which the crimped medical device can be loaded into a delivery system (e.g., the delivery system of FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the third portion 316 of the reservoir 310 can also provide an area to visualize the channel 115 of the crimping device 100 and/or portions of the delivery system positioned adjacent the crimping device 100 (FIG. 1) during device loading. For example, the tray 300 can include slanted sidewalls (identified individually as a first slanted sidewall 317 a and a second slanted sidewall 317 b; referred to collectively as “slanted sidewalls 317”) on which one or more mirrors can be placed to provide alternate views of the crimping device 100 (FIGS. 1-4) and/or the delivery system. In some embodiments, the tray 300 has a generally flat lower surface in the third portion 316 with a mirror disposed on the lower surface to provide for visualization during device loading. The third portion 316 of the reservoir 310 can also be shaped to receive the stand 400 (FIG. 1) so that that the stand 400 can be positioned in the third portion 316 prior to use (e.g., during storage and/or shipping). Accordingly, in some embodiments, each component of the system 10 (FIG. 1) can be securely positioned within dedicated portions of the tray 300 for shipping and storage. The system 10 (FIG. 1) can therefore be provided to a physician in a streamlined and sterile manner.

As further shown in FIG. 9, the walls of the tray 300 further includes the aperture 320 for receiving a portion of a delivery system (e.g., the delivery system 600 of FIG. 1) therethrough, and one or more grooves (identified individually as a first groove 319 a and a second groove 319 b; referred to collectively as “grooves 319”) positioned on either side the aperture 320. The grooves 319 can be configured to receive a dam member (not pictured) for sealing the reservoir 310 and preventing liquid from escaping through the aperture 320. In some embodiments, a portion of a suitable delivery system can puncture the dam members positioned within the grooves 319 in order to position the portion of the delivery system adjacent the crimping device 100 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the tray 300 can include valve and/or sealing device that is positioned on a sidewall of the tray 300 (e.g., in the aperture 320 or other hole) and in fluid communication with the reservoir 310. The valve and/or sealing device can fluidically seal liquid in the reservoir 310 before, during, and/or after a delivery system (e.g., the delivery system 600 of FIG. 1) has been moved therethrough. For example, a valve (e.g., a cross-slit valve, a one-way check valve, etc.) can be housed within a grommet (e.g., a molded silicone grommet) that is positioned in the hole in the sidewall of the tray 300 to at least partially prevent liquid from leaking from the reservoir 310 when the delivery system is moved into and out of the valve member. In other embodiments, the tray 300 can include other configurations of valves and/or sealing devices to seal liquid within the reservoir 310, while still allowing access to the reservoir 310 from a sidewall of the tray 300 for device loading or adjustment.

EXAMPLES

Several aspects of the present technology are set forth in the following examples.

1. A crimping device comprising:

-   -   a stationary plate having a plurality of first slots;     -   a movable member having a plurality of second slots, wherein the         individual second slots are aligned with a portion of the         corresponding individual first slots;     -   a plurality of movable blades arranged circumferentially to form         a channel having a central axis extending therethrough, wherein—         -   each blade has a first end portion and a second end portion,             and wherein the second end portion is radially farther from             the central axis than the first end portion,         -   each blade includes a pin projecting from the second end             portion of the blade, and         -   each pin extends through one of the first slots and a             corresponding one of the second slots; and     -   an actuator device operably coupled to the movable member and         configured to move the movable member relative to the stationary         plate, wherein movement of the movable member drives the         plurality of pins along a path defined by the first and second         slots such that the plurality of blades move radially inward to         decrease a diameter of the channel, and wherein the radial         inward movement of the blades is configured to reduce a diameter         of a medical device positioned within the channel to accommodate         sizing of a delivery capsule for implanting the medical device         using a minimally invasive procedure.

2. The crimping device of example 1 wherein the blades include a first side and a second side facing away from the first side, the stationary plate is a first stationary plate facing the first side of the blades, the movable member is a first movable member facing the first side of the blades, and each pin is a first pin on the first side of each blade, and wherein the crimping device further comprises:

-   -   a second stationary plate facing the second side of the blades,         the second stationary plate having a plurality of third slots;     -   a second movable member facing the second side of the blades,         the second movable member having a plurality of fourth slots,     -   wherein—         -   each blade includes a second pin projecting from the second             end portion on the second side of the blade,         -   each second pin extends through one of the third slots and a             corresponding one of the fourth slots, and         -   the actuator device is operably coupled to the first and             second movable members and configured to move the first and             second movable members relative to the first and second             stationary plates to thereby actuate the plurality of blades             to vary the diameter of the channel.

3. The crimping device of example 1 or 2 wherein the second slots define an arcuate path with a first end and a second end spaced closer to the channel than the first end.

4. The crimping device of any one of examples 1-3 wherein the diameter of the channel varies along the central axis.

5. The crimping device of any one of examples 1-4 wherein the blades have inner surfaces that define the channel, and wherein the inner surfaces are shaped such that the channel has a generally funnel-like shape.

6. The crimping device of any one of examples 1-5 wherein the plurality of blades includes twelve blades.

7. The crimping device of any one of examples 1-6 wherein—

-   -   the movable member has a first position in which the channel has         a maximum diameter,     -   the movable member has a second position in which the channel         has a minimum diameter, and     -   the pins are positioned radially farther from the central axis         in the first position than in the second position.

8. The crimping device of any one of examples 1-7, further comprising:

-   -   a frame; and     -   a holder removably coupled to the frame and configured to hold         the medical device within the channel as the blades reduce the         diameter of the medical device.

9. The crimping device of example 8 wherein—

-   -   the movable member has a first position and a second position,     -   the channel has a smaller diameter in the second position than         in the first position, and     -   the holder includes a plurality of fingers configured to engage         a portion of the medical device in the first position and         configured to disengage from the portion of the medical device         in the second position.

10. The crimping device of any one of examples 1-9 wherein the first slots define a straight path that extends radially away from the central axis.

11. The crimping device of any one of examples 1-10 wherein the second slots have a length that is longer than a length of the first slots.

12. The crimping device of any one of examples 1-11 wherein the first slots and second slots are equally spaced angularly around the central axis.

13. The crimping device of any one of examples 1-12, further comprising a connector coupled to the movable member and having a threaded hole extending therethrough, wherein—

-   -   the movable member is a rotatable member,     -   the actuator device is a threaded shaft and extends through the         threaded hole of the connector, and     -   actuating the rotatable member includes rotating the threaded         shaft about a longitudinal axis of the shaft such that the         connector moves along the shaft.

14. The crimping device of any one of examples 1-13 wherein the channel is configured to receive a prosthetic heart valve device for implantation into a native mitral valve, and wherein the blades are configured to reduce an outer diameter of the prosthetic heart valve device from 1.300 inches to 0.4 inch or less.

15. A system for reducing a size of a stent device, the system comprising:

-   -   a crimping device including—         -   a frame having a stationary plate having a plurality of             first slots,         -   a movable member having a plurality of second slots, wherein             the movable member is movable with respect to the stationary             plate,         -   a plurality of movable blades arranged circumferentially to             define a channel having a central axis extending             therethrough, wherein—             -   the channel is configured to receive a prosthetic heart                 valve device in an unexpanded state,             -   the movable member is between the blades and the                 stationary plate,             -   each blade has a first end portion and a second end                 portion spaced radially farther from the central axis                 than the first end portion,             -   each blade includes a pin projecting from the second end                 portion and extending through one of the first slots and                 a corresponding one of the second slots, and         -   an actuator device configured to move the movable member to             drive the plurality of blades between a first position in             which the channel has a first cross-sectional dimension to a             second position in which the channel has a second             cross-sectional dimension smaller than the first             cross-sectional dimension, wherein moving the blades from             the first position to the second position decreases an outer             dimension of the stent device, and wherein the first slots             are configured to maintain relative position between the             blades as the blades move between the first and second             positions; and     -   a holder removably coupled to the frame and configured to hold         the stent device within the channel when the blades are in the         first position.

16. The system of example 15 wherein the blades are configured to continuously compress the prosthetic heart valve device as the blades move from the first position to the second position.

17. The system of example 15 or 16 wherein the channel has a funnel shape.

18. The system of any one of examples 15-17, further comprising a tray defining a reservoir that is configured to receive the crimping device therein.

19. The system of example 18 wherein the reservoir is configured to hold a chilled liquid therein, and wherein the liquid fills the channel when the crimping device is positioned within the reservoir.

20. The system of example 18 wherein the tray includes an aperture extending through the tray to the reservoir, wherein the channel of the crimping device is accessible via the aperture to permit the prosthetic heart valve device to be positioned within the channel.

21. The system of any one of examples 15-20 wherein—

-   -   the holder includes a plurality of fingers configured to engage         attachment features of the prosthetic heart valve device in the         first position; and     -   the blades are sized and shaped to press against the fingers as         the blades move from the first position to the second position         to disengage the attachment features from the holder.

22. The system of any one of examples 15-21 wherein, in the first position, the pins are positioned radially farther from the central axis of the channel than in the second position.

23. A method for reducing a size of a medical device for loading into a delivery capsule, comprising:

-   -   positioning the medical device within a channel of the crimping         device, wherein—         -   the channel is defined by a plurality of movable blades             arranged circumferentially around a central axis of the             channel,         -   each blade includes a pin projecting from an end portion of             the blade spaced radially apart from the channel, and         -   each pin projects through a first slot on a stationary plate             and a second slot on a movable member positioned between the             stationary plate and the blades; and     -   driving the blades radially inwardly from a first position to a         second position to reduce a cross-sectional dimension of the         channel, thereby reducing an outer diameter of the medical         device, wherein driving the blades includes moving the movable         member relative to the stationary plate to move the pins along         individual arcuate paths defined by the corresponding second         slots.

24. The method of example 23 wherein driving the blades radially inwardly comprises driving the blades from the first position in which the channel has a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at least 1.300 inches to the second position in which the channel has a minimum cross-sectional dimension of at most 0.4 inch.

25. The method of example 23 or 24 wherein driving the blades radially inwardly comprises moving each pin from a first end of the arcuate path toward a second end of the arcuate path, wherein the second end is closer to the central axis of the channel than the first end.

26. The method of any one of examples 23-25 wherein driving the blades radially inwardly comprises continuously compressing the medical device.

27. The method of any one of examples 23-26 wherein the medical device is a prosthetic heart valve device, and wherein the method further comprises:

removably coupling a plurality of engagement features of the prosthetic heart valve device to a corresponding plurality of fingers of a holder, wherein the holder retains the prosthetic heart valve device while the blades are in the first position; and

-   -   wherein driving the blades radially inwardly presses the blades         against outer surfaces of the fingers to disengage the         engagement features from the holder.

28. The method of any one of examples 23-27 wherein the blades have inner surfaces that define the channel, wherein the inner surfaces are shaped such that the channel has a generally funnel-like shape, and further comprising:

after driving the blades to the second position, moving the medical device through the channel toward the delivery capsule to further reduce an outer diameter of the medical device.

29. The method of any one of examples 23-28, further comprising submerging the crimping device in a liquid such that the medical device is submerged when positioned within the channel.

CONCLUSION

The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, although steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively.

Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and/or additional types of other features are not precluded. It will also be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology. Further, while advantages associated with some embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A crimping device comprising: a plate defining a plurality of first slots; a movable member defining a plurality of second slots, wherein individual first slots are aligned with a portion of a corresponding individual second slot; a plurality of blades arranged to form a channel having a central axis extending therethrough, wherein: each blade includes a pin projecting from a radially outer end portion of the blade, and each pin extends through one of the individual first slots and the corresponding individual second slot; and an actuator configured to move the movable member relative to the plate to drive the plurality of pins along a path defined by the first and second slots such that the plurality of blades move radially inward to decrease a diameter of the channel.
 2. The crimping device of claim 1, wherein the radially inward movement of the plurality of blades is configured to reduce a diameter of a medical device positioned within the channel.
 3. The crimping device of claim 1, wherein each blade of the plurality of blades includes a first side and a second side facing away from the first side, the plate is a first plate facing the first sides of the blades, the movable member is a first movable member facing the first sides of the blades, and each pin is a first pin on the first side of each blade, and wherein the crimping device further comprises: a second plate facing the second side of the blades, the second plate having a plurality of third slots; a second movable member facing the second side of the blades, the second movable member having a plurality of fourth slots, wherein: each blade includes a second pin projecting from the radially outer end portion on the second side of the blade, each second pin extends through one of the third slots and a corresponding one of the fourth slots, and the actuator device is further configured to move the second movable member relative to the second plate to actuate the plurality of blades to vary the diameter of the channel.
 4. The crimping device of claim 1, wherein the second slots define an arcuate path with a first end and a second end spaced closer to the channel than the first end.
 5. The crimping device of claim 1, wherein the diameter of the channel varies along a length the central axis.
 6. The crimping device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of blades have inner surfaces that define the channel, and wherein the inner surfaces are shaped such that the channel has a generally funnel shape.
 7. The crimping device of claim 1, wherein: the movable member has a first position in which the channel has a maximum diameter and a second position in which the channel has a smaller diameter, and the pins are positioned radially farther from the central axis in the first position than in the second position.
 8. The crimping device of claim 1, wherein the first slots define a straight path that extends radially away from the central axis.
 9. The crimping device of claim 1, wherein the second slots have a length that is longer than a length of the first slots.
 10. The crimping device of claim 1, wherein the first slots and second slots are substantially equally spaced angularly around the central axis.
 11. The crimping device of claim 1, further comprising a connector coupled to the movable member and having a threaded hole extending therethrough, wherein: the movable member is a rotatable member, the actuator device is a threaded shaft and extends through the threaded hole of the connector, and wherein, to actuate the rotatable member, the actuator device is configured to rotate the threaded shaft about a longitudinal axis of the shaft such that the connector moves along the shaft.
 12. A system comprising: a crimping device comprising: a frame comprising a plate defining a plurality of first slots, a movable member defining a plurality of second slots, wherein the movable member is movable with respect to the plate, a plurality of blades arranged to define a channel having a central axis extending therethrough, wherein: each blade comprises a pin projecting from a radially outer end portion and extending through one of the first slots and a corresponding one of the second slots, and an actuator configured to move the movable member to drive the plurality of pins along a path defined by the first and second slots such that the plurality of blades move radially inward to decrease a diameter of the channel, wherein the first slots are configured to maintain relative position between the blades as the blades move between the first and second positions; and a holder removably coupled to the frame.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein, when the plurality of blades are movable by the actuator from a first position in which the channel has a first cross-sectional dimension to a second position in which the channel has a second cross-sectional dimension smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of blades are configured to continuously compress a prosthetic heart valve device disposed in the channel as the blades move from the first position to the second position.
 15. The system of claim 12, further comprising a tray defining a reservoir that is configured to receive the crimping device therein.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the reservoir is configured to hold a chilled liquid, and wherein the liquid fills the channel when the crimping device is positioned within the reservoir.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the tray includes an aperture extending through the tray to the reservoir, wherein the channel of the crimping device is accessible via the aperture to permit a prosthetic heart valve device to be positioned within the channel.
 18. A method for reducing a size of a medical device for loading into a delivery capsule, the method comprising: positioning the medical device within a channel of a crimping device, wherein: the channel is defined by a plurality of blades arranged around a central axis of the channel, each blade includes a pin projecting from a radially outer end portion of the blade, and each pin projects through a corresponding first slot in a plate and a corresponding second slot in a movable member positioned between the plate and the blades, wherein the plate comprises a plurality of first slots and the movable member comprises a plurality of second slots; and moving the movable member relative to the plate to move the pins and drive the blades radially inwardly from a first position to a second position to reduce a cross-sectional dimension of the channel, thereby reducing an outer diameter of the medical device.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising submerging the crimping device in a liquid such that the medical device is submerged when positioned within the channel. 